Superintendent’s Year-End Letter
To our learning community,
As we approach the end of the 2023-24 school year, I am filled with a tremendous amount of gratitude. This spring and beginning of summer have felt especially celebratory and perhaps the reason can be traced back to the many ‘firsts’ that have occurred in our district.
Particularly notable are the many new ideas that students and staff brought forward this year and propelled into tangible initiatives and resources that have benefitted those around them, across schools, and beyond our district. To students, families and staff, thank you for guiding positive change and creating opportunities for all grades within academics, music, fine arts, and athletics.
Thank you to our Indigenous Education Department who continue to connect us in engaging ways that honour Indigenous perspectives and promote a greater understanding of the local Nations’ history and territory. In addition to launching new teaching resources this year and organizing the third annual Indigenous Storytelling and Film Festival, the department also coordinated the first multi-district Lahal Tournament—a highlight for me.
In April, we celebrated the re-opening and first day of classes at the seismically upgraded Vic High. I have so much appreciation for the exceptional collaboration that was involved to complete the project. The result has been a safe and beautiful addition to our district—one that has already hosted events such as the first student-led Wellness Resource Fair.
I also wish to recognize Rightsholders, families, and community members whose dedication create an inclusive environment for students to achieve their full potential. Thank you for consistently going beyond your role as mentors, tutors, coaches, volunteers, fundraisers, and so much more.
As the sunny weather continues to demonstrate how lucky we are to call Greater Victoria home, I reflect on the hopeful, bright futures of those who are graduating or otherwise moving on from the district. I am grateful for your contributions to our learning community.
I wish you all a very safe, fun, and restful summer break and look forward to welcoming new and returning faces in September.
Sincerely,
Deb Whitten
Superintendent of Schools
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